The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Monday lauded the Supreme Court (SC) for its ruling that even a convicted person of a heinous crime is entitled to Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
PAO chief Persida Acosta, in an interview, said the Bureau of Correction has formed a technical working group to submit the draft implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10592 or the GCTA Law to the Department of Justice for guidance.
The High Court ruled that Article 97 of the Revised Penal Code as amended y RA 10592 is clear that any convicted prisoner is entitled to GCTA as long as the prisoner is in a penal institution, rehabilitation or detention center, or any other local jail.
On Aug. 20, the motion for reconsideration was turned down by the SC. “The SC decision has far reaching effects not only in prison reform, but also in social welfare and public health,” Acosta told reporters.
“The decongestion of prisons would lessen morbidity and mortality of persons deprived of liberty. The general well-being of PDLs will significantly improved,” she said.
BuCor would need additional funding in it’s annual budget, she cited.
